AD Agencies
WPP Media keeps Bayer Consumer Health account in South Asia after global review
MUMBAI: WPP Media has retained the integrated media mandate for Bayer Consumer Health across South Asia, following a global review, with Essencemediacom continuing to lead the business.
The renewed partnership deepens a long-standing collaboration between the two firms, sharpening its focus on using AI, automation and data-led insights to accelerate brand growth and media efficiency across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The agency will also strengthen digital and e-commerce integration to drive measurable business outcomes.
Bayer Consumer Health division country head Sandeep Verma said the partnership had “consistently evolved with the changing consumer and media landscape”. As Bayer expands its regional footprint, Verma said the focus would be on “future-ready media innovations that deepen consumer understanding and strengthen our brands’ role in everyday self-care.”
WPP Media South Asia president – client solutions Navin Khemka added, “We cherish our longstanding partnership with Bayer Consumer Health. We remain committed to harnessing AI, data and technology to deliver campaigns that strengthen consumer connections and drive growth.”
WPP Media is the global media collective of WPP, bringing together the group’s platform, people and partners to drive growth in a fast-changing media landscape.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
